@FiercePharma: In this week's Sermo survey, almost 50% of MDs say they won't switch patients from Pradaxa. Item | Follow @FiercePharma
> India's Dr Reddy's Laboratories said profit rose 25% in the fiscal first quarter, almost in line with analysts' estimates, as key drugs helped sales in North America, but it warned about weakness in Germany. Article
> Despite a September deadline for setting reimbursement for Medicaid prescription drugs, 20 states have not yet developed a new method, according to a report from the inspector general at the Department of Health and Human Services. Piece
> A leading medical advisory panel recommended that all insurers be required to cover contraceptives for women free of charge as one of several preventive services under the new healthcare law. Item
> Japanese drug maker Daiichi Sankyo has introduced its oral anticoagulant drug Lixiana in Japan. News
> India's Dr Reddy's Laboratories has received FDA approval for generic palonosetron hydrochloride injection, used to prevent nausea associated with chemotherapy. Story
> Wholesale shifting of pharmaceutical production to low-cost countries such as India and China is creating environmental impacts "on a scale that can seriously impact the health of humans and animals," says Sweden's Medical Products Agency. Article
> Quest Diagnostics reported weak quarterly lab-testing volume as Americans avoided doctor visits. The company said it plans to reduce its costs by $500 million over the next three years. Story
> Indian drugmaker Piramal Healthcare is in talks to buy Enam Financial's stake in ING Life Insurance, the Economic Times says. Item
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Biogen Idec abandoning Weston, plots move to Kendall Sq. News | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: If this Medco takeover goes through, I have to wonder how many jobs will be cut. Article | Follow @JohnCFierce
> Non-profits share valuable lessons on efficient drug development. Report
> AstraZeneca wins FDA approval for blockbuster hopeful Brilinta. Story
> BioSante inks $39M pact on melanoma vax. Item
> Icon goes on hiring spree as analysts chide CROs on deal risks. Report
Vaccine News
> Astellas licenses Vical vax for $130M. Article
> NicVAX failure spells trouble for Nabi. More
> Scripps explores heroin addiction vaccine. Story
> WHO: Flu vaccine production will double by 2015. Report
Manufacturing News
> Silicone particles drive American Regent recall. Article
> GSK, Lundbeck reveal lean secrets, successes. Report
> FDA grant aids manufacturing, regulatory science. Story
> Sun exec: Generic firms will face same tough times as innovators. News
> Fool's manufacturing view akin to Witty's of GSK. Report
And Finally... A recently-discovered gene may be responsible for the proliferation of liver cancer cells, a study found, and researchers hope this finding may offer new ideas for therapy. News